"New gas projects linked to just 11 data center campuses around the US have the potential to create more greenhouse gases than the country of Morocco emitted in 2024. Emissions estimates from air permit documents examined show that these natural gas projects have the potential to emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year."
"As data center developers face long waits for connections to traditional utilities, and amid mounting public resistance to the possibility of higher energy bills, making their own power is becoming an increasingly popular option. These projects have either been announced or are under construction, with companies already submitting air permit application materials with state agencies."
"Michael Thomas, the founder of clean energy research firm Cleanview, has been tracking gas permits for data centers across the country. He calls behind-the-meter power 'a crazy acceleration of emissions.'"
"'It's almost like we thought we were on the downside of the Industrial Revolution, retiring coal and gas, and now we have a new hump where we're going to rise,' he says. 'That terrifies me in a lot of ways.'"
Natural gas projects associated with 11 data center campuses in the US may produce more greenhouse gases than Morocco's total emissions in 2024. These projects, linked to AI companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and xAI, are designed to bypass traditional power grids. As developers face delays in utility connections and public opposition to rising energy costs, they are increasingly opting for behind-the-meter power solutions. Clean energy expert Michael Thomas warns that this trend represents a significant increase in emissions, likening it to a resurgence in fossil fuel reliance.
Read at WIRED
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